Transducer Technology

Dynamic

Pros:

Foobar

Cons:

Foobar

Examples:

Foobar

Planar Magnetic

A planar magnetic speaker is made with a diaphragm containing a conductive trace, where the diaphragm is then suspended in a strong magnetic field. When current flows through the conductive trace, interaction between the static magnetic field of the magnet system and the magnetic field formed around the trace interacts, forcing the diaphragm to move, creating sound. For a more in-depth look, please consult InnerFidelity’s article about planar magnetic headphones

Note: Planar magnetic headphones are sometimes (erroneously) referred to as “orthodynamic” headphones. Orthodynamic is a Yamaha trademark/marketing term used for their own planar magnetic headphones.

Pros:

Low moving mass provides good impulse response, and often very low levels of distortion

Headphone load is very nearly purely resistive, making them less dependent on amplifier output impedance

Cons:

Expensive

Strong magnet forces can make assembly/disassembly quite difficult, and are not often suited for DIY repair